The sun was high up in the sky, its gentle sunlight beating towards the vast plains, the high mountains, the dense forests, and everything it could touch, and illuminating the world as it should.
It was almost noon yet there was no harsh heat to be felt. The only things to notice were the gentleness of the wind and earthy scent from the solid ground along with the calming scents of nature and flowers drifting in the air.
In a certain vineyard, under the shade of a large tree, two figures could be seen sitting on a bench by the water fountain, far away from everyone else. They were sitting so calmly, listening to the silent symphony of nature accompanied with the distant laughers and chatters.
The two figures were none other than Grey and Yuna. They had just finished playing and splashing around with one another and had just dried themselves. Currently, they are resting on the benches, enjoying their sweet time together, a little exhausted from their own shenanigans.
Initially, they were going to help out with making lunch, but when they offered their help, the others simply told them to just relax and enjoy themselves, hence their current situation. Somehow, although it was relaxing, it felt strange being treated so luxuriously as guests.
Now, Yuna was leaning her head on the Grey's shoulder, holding his hand tightly, playing with his fingers from time to time, and looking at the difference between his and hers with eyes full of warmth and curiosity.
"Grey, your hands sure are big, aren't they?" ［Yuna］
"Well, I'm a man, after all." ［Grey］
"Mmn... But my hands are so small and thin... I wonder what it feels like to have big hands like yours..." ［Yuna］
There was a certain curiosity revolving around Yuna's mind as she pressed her open palm against Grey's. She was trying to compare the difference between the two with her pure and innocent eyes staring so intently.
Grey doesn't know why Yuna was acting like such, but he found her actions cute and adorable like a little child trying things out for the first time. He was silently chuckling to himself as he continued to observe his girlfriend's peculiar behavior.
"I'm also curious, but... I'd rather have Yuna stay the way she is. I really love those little hands of yours," ［Grey］
"Really?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. Especially when they're holding mine like this. They're soft, warm, and cute. Just like you are." ［Grey］
Rose-tinted cheeks and a flustered smile were visible on Yuna's face at Grey's words. Even though it wasn't the first time Grey had complimented her like that, she couldn't help but have her heart racing madly.
Time passed and the flirting continued. Luckily, Grey and Yuna were alone together, a little bit of distance away from the others. Otherwise, it would have been much too embarrassing for the both of them to act like what they are currently doing.
"Big Bro, Big Sis, I haven't seen you before. Where did you come from?" ［???］
Out of the blue, a little child suddenly approached the two of them. It was only a single child at first, but after some time passed, more children followed and gathered around them like a curious crowd of small children.
Luckily, Grey and Yuna's flirting wasn't as much as before. Now, they are simply holding hands and resting their time away together. Otherwise, they would have been embarrassed being spotted out in the open, and by innocent children at that. There will surely be questions flying here and there.
"We came from outside the village, far, far away outside the forest." ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Outside the forest!" ［???］
"I heard stories about it from my mom and dad."
"I want to go outside too!"
At Yuna's words, the children's curiosity and excitement were quickly stirred up. All of them were wearing brightly beaming eyes, obviously excited to hear more about what lies beyond the village and forest, the only world they knew of.
The children crowding around Grey and Yuna aged around 4 to 8 years old. At such a young age, it was only natural that they were full of curiosity, especially when it came to something they've only heard stories about. To them, the outside world was like a mystical place, currently out of reach from their tiny hands.
Now that children were crowding them, Yuna quickly switched into older sisterly / motherly mode. She was exuding a warm aura that the children couldn't help but approach her. It was the same aura Eliza, Elnart, Galvin, and Iris was drawn to.
"Big Sis, tell us more about the outside!" ［???］
"Fufufu, okay! But first, why don't we introduce ourselves first? My name is Yuna, what are yours?" ［Yuna］
"Me! Me! Me first!" ［???］
A little child raised her hands excitedly like a little bunny hopping around. She was the same child who first approached Grey and Yuna. A little ball of energy and joy who resembled a certain someone whom they just met.
"Alright, then what's our little angel's name?" ［Yuna］
"My name is Ruru! My mommy's over there, cooking lunch!" ［Ruru］
The little child excitedly pointed towards a certain woman, that being Rozelia who was currently tasting the stew she was making. It was already expected, but Grey and Yuna were still surprised after hearing about it.
And noticing her daughter pointing at her with a little smile on her face, she also looked at Grey and Yuna and also smiled on her own. It was a smile asking to take care of the children for a while, a role Yuna gracefully accepted.
Following Ruru, the other children also introduced themselves in a similar manner. They first said their names and then pointed towards the adults to introduce their parents. Innocent happiness was evident in their faces as they did so.
"Then! Then! What is Big Bro's name?" ［Ruru］
At Ruru's words, all the other children's eyes fell towards Grey. They were ones full of expectations, anticipating whatever Grey was about to say. The latter, receiving their expectant stares, couldn't help but feel a little pressure, burdened by the children's gleaming anticipation.
As for Yuna, she was happily giggling to herself, finding it a little funny for Grey to be in such a situation, pressed by the children for trivial questions just to satisfy their pure and innocent curiosity.
"Umm... My name's Grey. Just like Yuna over there, I also came from outside of the forest. Do you want to hear some stories about it?" ［Grey］
"Really?! Can we?!" ［Ruru］
"Yeah. As long as you behave and be good children. Big Bro and Big Sis here will tell you lots and lots of stories." ［Grey］
"""Yaay～!"""
Thankfully, Grey was also quite experienced with children. While he was flustered for a little while, he quickly overcame the situation and had everything under control. Now, the children are smiling happily and waiting excitedly for some story telling.
"So, what do our angels want to hear first?" ［Yuna］
"Me! Me! I want to hear about the cities outside!" ［Ruru］
"I want to hear about adventurers like Big Sis Aria!"
"Me too! I also want to hear about adventures!"
Questions and suggestions came flying from all directions relentlessly from the little children. Truthfully, it was a little bit overwhelming but it was not something Grey and Yuna could not handle.
One by one, Grey and Yuna answered the children's curiosities and one after another, more and more questions were raised. Some questions were trivial while others concerned something a little difficult. Nevertheless, Grey and Yuna were able to push through without much difficulties.
Every time they answered the children's questions, sounds like "Waah～", "Ohh～!", and "Hoo～!" came out of the children's mouths. It was because of their stories that the children quickly became close to them even when it had only been a few minutes since they met.
Also, for reasons unknown, the children started climbing unto Grey and Yuna as time passed. Some were sitting on their laps, some just behaving behind them, and others were on Grey's shoulders and on the bench's backrest. It was a chaotic yet warm and fluffy scene.
"Then, do Big Sis and Big Bro live together?" ［Ruru］
"Un, that's right. Big Sis and Big Bro have a lovely house in Galderia. There, Big Bro and Big Sis live our everyday lives." ［Yuna］
"Waah～! I want to visit Big Bro and Big Sis' house too!"
"Me too! I want to go inside and play!"
Excitement quickly spread amongst the children as they tried to imagine what Grey and Yuna's house looked like. Their imaginations were quite far off since they only have the village's houses to base off of. Still, it was cute that they were trying.
Everything was going well and smoothly as they continued their story telling. Well, it was well until a certain little girl asked a peculiar question. What was the question, one might ask? Well...
"Then, are Big Sis Yuna and Big Bro Grey going to get married like Big Sis Aria and Big Bro Kris, too?" ［Ruru］
That was the question. As soon as Grey and Yuna heard it, their hearts were shocked with great surprise. What followed after was embarrassment as they accidentally looked at each other's eyes.
What made it worse was that Ruru only asked about it out of pure curiosity. Now, the two of them were greatly burdened with eyes full of expectations, not only from Ruru, but from the other children as well, also curious about their answer.
"Umm... Ruru, that question a littleー" ［Yuna］
"Ruru, for now, that's a little difficult." ［Grey］
Yuna couldn't even finish her words when Grey suddenly cut her off. While she wasn't expecting much, her heart sank a little at Grey's answer. She knew he wasn't at fault but she couldn't help but feel a little downcast and crestfallen.
"Well, for now, that is... In the future, if your Big Sis Yuna allows it, then I would love it if she becomes my bride. When that day comes, I'm sure I'll be the happiest man in the world!" ［Grey］
Continued Grey, ending his statement with a large, bright smile on his face. There were no lies to be seen. It wasn't just a careless answer. Grey's heart was full of sincerity when he said those saids, every single word was genuine.
Grey has yet to realize it, but what his words meant was that of a proposal. It wasn't a direct one with a ring and such, but relaying his intent to marry Yuna in the future, it was undoubtedly a genuine proposal.
Yuna, whose heart was sunk in sadness and gloom for a little while, was now feeling happiness and relief she never thought possible. She felt so many emotions swirling in her heart that she didn't even notice that tears had started to form in the corner of her eyes.
"Waah～ I want to go to Big Sis and Big Bro's wedding!"
"Me too! I also want to see Big Bro and Big Sis get married!"
"Hahaha, then I'll invite you when the time comes. But you have to promise to be good children until then, alright?" ［Grey］
""""Yaay～!"""
Grey's next statement didn't help either. It only made his intent clearer and made Yuna's tears trickle down her rose-tinted cheeks as a soft and gentle smile bloomed on her face. Yes, let me mention it again, she was beet red.
"Big Bro, Big Sis is crying." ［Ruru］
"Eh?! Yuna?! What's wrong?!" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, n-nothing! Some dust just got in my eyes." ［Yuna］
Panicky, Yuna rubbed her eyes to rid herself of the tears. Well, she was also using the chance to hide her beet red cheeks and the soft smile which just won't disappear on her face. She was clearly happy and embarrassed at the same time.
Her heart was beating rapidly and wildly, even faster when she was in battle against beasts and monsters. She couldn't contain the happiness flooding her heart like a massive flash flood which couldn't be stopped. It was quite difficult to hide and control her expression in front of Grey.
"Then, will Big Bro and Big Sis have a baby, too?!" ［Ruru］
A second, more dangerous question came out of Ruru's mouth. It was one which only made the situation more complicated, making Yuna, who was already fuming from embarrassment to short-circuit and explode, her face even redder than what was humanly, or rather, elvenly possible.
Of course, albeit milder, Grey was also in a similar flustered situation. While he couldn't deny such a thing which would inevitably come in the future, talking about it now, especially with children, was something which could not be easily done.
"Uh... Umm... Children, you see... That'sー" ［Grey］
"Grey! Yuna! Kids! Lunch is ready～!" ［Rozelia］
"Oh, coming～!" ［Grey］
Thankfully, Rozelia provided them a timely save. Thanks to her, Grey and Yuna managed to avoid the situation by a hair's breadth. Any later and it would have been dangerous, not for the children, but for them.
"Well, it seems like we have to eat lunch first. Why don't we wash our hands before joining the others, okay?" ［Grey］
"Aww... I wanted to talk more..," ［Ruru］
"Then, why don't we continue later after lunch? Big Bro and Big Sis still have a lot of stories to tell." ［Grey］
"Really? Yaay～!" ［Ruru］
At Grey's words, Ruru's expressions quickly brightened up like the stars in the night sky. After her, the other children also cheered up substantially as they headed towards the water fountain to wash their hands.
Well, Grey said he would continue telling stories, but he didn't say he would answer the previous question. Rather, Grey would be doing his best later to avoid the said question. There was no way in hell he wanted to answer it, even if it meant that the children would be disappointed.
Smiles on their faces and their hands already washed and clean, the children, with Grey and Yuna following behind them, headed towards the resting sheds where the dishes were already, only waiting to be eaten.
Lunch went on smoothly and everybody was satisfied. And it went without saying that everyone was completely baffled by Grey and Yuna's appetite. It was the same reaction the others have during their first time seeing them eat.
Well, everything went well, but there was just one little problem...
"Uuu... Grey, I'm still hungry..." ［Yuna］
It wasn't only Yuna, Grey was also the same. Even with everything they ate, their stomachs were still not full. What they ate was not even half of what they usually have during their regular meals. It was like a snack rather than a meal.
It was then that an idea struck Grey's mind like lightning. If there isn't any more food to eat, then the solution is simple, just make more food for them to eat. What use would their ingredients be if they couldn't use them?
"Missus Rozelia, could I borrow the kitchen a little bit? I'm just going to cook some snacks." ［Grey］
"Oh, snacks already? But we just ate..." ［Rozelia］
"Well, me and Yuna aren't exactly full yet, you see..." ［Grey］
"Oh my...!" ［Rozelia］
Rozelia was more than shocked when she heard Grey's words. It was only a natural reaction. After all, what each of them ate was already twice more than an adult man could take, yet they were still not full. It was shocking.
"Umm... Is that a yes or no?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no, no, you can use the kitchen as much as you want. Just make sure to be careful, okay?" ［Rozelia］
"Okay. Thank you, Missus Rozelia." ［Grey］
Nevertheless, everything went smoothly and Grey and Yuna were able to gain access to the kitchen. And by the grace of the goods, the kitchen looked similar to Falroe's home. It was easy to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.
As for what Grey and Yuna were going to cook, they would be making potato snacks such as chips, fries, and special steamed potatoes. Of course, it went without saying that many sauces were also going to be made. There was ketchup, sour cream, gravy, spicy mustard, and melted cheese.
With the amount of potatoes they got from Balta village, they would be able to make tons and tons of snacks. Potatoes being filling and delicious, it was the perfect snack for Grey and Yuna to fill their hungry stomachs.
Chop Chop Chop
Chopping sounds echoed throughout the kitchen as knives hit the chopping board. What followed after was the sizzling and boiling sounds as the potatoes were fried in hot oil, accompanied by the whistling steam on the other pots.
Everything was happening too fast. In just a quick second, the potatoes which had just been washed were peeled in an instant. The next second, they were already sliced and diced into chips and fries. A few more seconds later, they were already sizzling in hot oil.
As for the special steamed potatoes. It was one simply steamed, then putting butter, cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper, the steam carrying an aromatic scent as the potatoes continued to cook.
With the help of magic, everything went by quickly. Controlling the flames, spreading the heat evenly, and many more. Magic truly was a convenient and efficient tool, not only in combat, but even in the kitchen.
Soon after, the scent from the kitchen wafted outside and the first to be attracted were the children playing nearby. They all peeked inside the kitchen, all curious where the delicious smell was coming from.
"Big Bro Grey, Bis Sis Yuna, what are you making?!" ［Ruru］
"Oh, Ruru, kids too... Since when were you here?" ［Yuna］
"We just arrived!" ［Ruru］
Ruru, as energetic as ever, answered Yuna's question with a big smile on her face. Soon after, her eyes swam back to the pots and pans Grey and Yuna were using. She and the other children knew it was where the smell was coming from, but didn't know what was cooking.
All they could do was tilt their heads in curiosity as they looked around for clues as to what Grey and Yuna were cooking. It was also worth noting that their appetites were starting to get aroused by the delicious smell.
"Fufufu, why don't you wait outside first? Big Sis and Big Bro will bring out the food once we're finished cooking, okay?" ［Yuna］
"""Yes!"""
In unison, the children answered Yuna's question with excited voices. They then headed outside as Yuna said and sat politely on the benches at the waiting shed, behaving themselves properly as they chatted with one another.
It didn't take long before Grey and Yuna finished cooking. Soon after, they headed out of the kitchen with large bowls full of snacks in their hands. Of course, the sauces were present too.
"Here you go, everyone. Have a bite!" ［Yuna］
"""Waah～!"""
The children, full of excitement, with their small hands, took some potatoes one after another. They still don't know what they are, but being the children that they are, they didn't care much. In their minds, an equation of smells delicious = tastes delicious was forming.
"Yummy!"
"So good!"
Smiles bloomed here and there as the children munched the potato snacks like little chipmunks. Even when Grey and Yuna have still not eaten, they already felt full seeing the children eat so happily.
Soon, more and more people, entranced by the little gathering of children, gathered around the resting shed. All were curious about what the children were eating with such smiling faces.
"Grey, Yuna, did you make these?" ［Rozelia］
"Yeah. They're all made from potatoes and the perfect snacks for a relaxing day like this." ［Grey］
"Oh, potatoes? I thought they only give you stomach aches." ［Rozelia］
"Well, if you prepare them properly, it's perfectly safe to eat them. Why don't you have some, Missus Rozelia?" ［Grey］
"Mommy, they're really yummy!" ［Ruru］
Convinced by her daughter's sweet invitation, Rozelia also took a potato chip from the large bowl and had a bite. A smile soon sprouted on her face as a unique taste caressed her tongue. It was a smile which bore a lot of resemblance to Ruru.
"Oh, they really are! Grey, Yuna, how did you make these?!" ［Rozelia］
"Then, how about we teach you later? But first, why don't we enjoy the snacks first? The children will finish everything if we don't hurr;." ［Grey］
"Hohoho, I see that they've taken quite the liking to it!" ［Rozelia］
Following Rozelia, the other adults also had a bite of the snacks the children oh so enjoyed. They have the very same expression as soon as they tasted it. One full of surprise and awe, a pleasant one that is.
The afternoon continued and the shadows started to grow, yet despite how everything changed, the laughter and smiles in everyone remained the same, as bright as the afternoon sky above them.
CHAPTER 141 END